With Lowe out of the mix and Juan Carlos Oviedo likely to begin the season on the disabled list, the bullpen appears to be set with Brandon Gomes and Josh Lueke as the sixth and seventh relievers, joining closer Grant Balfour, Joel Peralta, Jake McGee, Cesar Ramos and Heath Bell.

However, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said did not confirm that Tuesday, saying “There is something else in play.” A final decision is likely to be announced in a day or two.

Lowe, Nix and Betemit, who arrived in camp late because of visa issues, were on minor league contracts.

“Selfishly, we want them all back. Unselfishly, we want what’s best for them,” Maddon said. “They all fit in really well here.”

Betemit indicated he would go to Triple A Durham, if he does not receive a major league offer from another team.

“I like this team,” he said. “I don’t want to go to another team. I know the situation right now.”

The Rays have utility players Sean Rodriguez and Logan Forsythe, acquired in a trade with San Diego, along with regulars first baseman James Loney, second baseman Ben Zobrist, shortstop Yunel Escobar and third baseman Evan Longoria.

“The guys we kept are really good; the guys we are trying to send back are outstanding, too,” Maddon said. “It’s a really odd moment.”

The Rays kept Guyer as the fifth outfielder with David DeJesus, Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers and Matt Joyce based on his performance at Triple A the past three seasons.

With the Bulls, the right-handed hitter batted .312 in 2011, .294 in 2012 and .301 in 2013. He also had the ability to steal a base, swiping 40 in the past three years with Durham.

“In a combination of skill and the metrics that are behind him indicate this guy should be a pretty good baseball player,” Maddon said. “We trust everybody within the organization. If they feel that strongly about him, we have to honor those opinions. It’s backed up by all the work we do numerically, data-wise behind him that supports his skill.”

Guyer’s success has not translated on the major league level. In stints with the Rays in 2011 and 2012, he batted .195 and .143, respectively, in a combined 18 games.

“I know I can play at this level. I’m very confident,” said Guyer, who was out of minor league options and had to clear waivers to be sent back to the minors. “I know my role at the beginning might be coming off the bench or filling in defensively or base running. Whatever it is I’m going to work my hardest."

He was the final player called in to the office to hear his fate.

“I didn’t know what to think,” said Guyer, batting .289 this spring. “I thought I had a pretty good spring training. I showed them everything I could do, but you never know.”

In other moves, the Rays returned catcher Mayo Acosta and infielder Ray Olmedo to minor league camp. Veteran left-hander Erik Bedard, who failed in his bid for the final spot in the rotation, was released.

Dennis Maffezzoli

Dennis Maffezzoli is the chief reporter for HT Preps. He can be reached by email or call (941) 315-0598.

Last modified: March 25, 2014
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